Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has denied that a deal has already been struck for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium next month having failed to break into the starting XI.
The £45 million signing from Leeds United has barely featured, since deciding to stay at the club beyond the summer and fight for his place.
Phillips was pictured looking very glum on Sunday during City’s game with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The images Sky Sports showed prompted commentator Alan Smith to predict that the player would surely be leaving.
There has been some talk about Phillips heading to Newcastle – and Eddie Howe has today responded to the speculation…
Eddie Howe pours cold water on Kalvin Phillips rumours
Newcastle have been linked with Phillips for some time now, with the Magpies having lost midfielder Sandro Tonali to a 10-month ban after he breached better rules.
They’ve had real trouble with injuries and the club are expected to bring in reinforcements next month.
£150,000-a-week City midfielder Phillips is thought to be a player of interest.
The rumours were put to Howe today as he spoke ahead of their Champions League game with AC Milan tomorrow night – and his response was pretty blunt. When asked about a deal being done, he said (Chronicle): “That’s not correct.”
Phillips has also been linked with Italian giants Juventus recently. Supposedly, they are the player’s choice next month.
Phillips should join Newcastle
So Howe has denied that a deal has been done already, but he was never going to turn around and say something was happening if it was.
If there is indeed interest from Newcastle then Phillips really ought to choose them over Juventus.
It is surely in his best interests to remain in the Premier League, where he is more visible, with the Euros taking place next year.
Phillips – previously branded ‘intelligent’ by Guardiola – has lost prominence at international level in recent times as a result of his lack of minutes at City, and so he needs to choose a club in January where he will be able to hit the ground running quickly.
